subject: Exercise - A Mental Benefit [print this page] As you know there are plenty of benefits when it comes to exercise. But aside from offering physical benefits, exercise also provides medical benefits to one's mental state. These benefits are slowly getting more recognized now and it can serve as new or additional motivation for those contemplating a healthier lifestyle change.
Let's see how exercise can benefit your mental state :
Vent It Out
Exercise is the perfect medium to vent your frustrations. Either from work or home, when you feel the need to punch someone in the face, why not take half an hour pounding that punching bag away instead. Try taking up martial arts, wrestling or even boxing as it's a great way to vent out in a positive way. And you'll learn something worthwhile in the process, which is self-defense.
Everyone has their limits and eventually everyone reaches their boiling point. It's a matter of where you blow off the steam matters. If you really have to let off some steam, don't let it out on people who you really care about.
Legal Drugs
Exercising can actually get on an exercise high. Ever wondered why people seem "addicted" to working out? These people just can't keep still and missing a day of workout feels like missing out on something important. These fitness fanatics are like that because exercising makes your body release a hormone called cortisol which helps combats stress and also endorphins which sets you in a lighter mood. Long story short, you'll feel great after any workout. Who won't get addicted to that?
The Great Escape
During your workouts, treat those as YOUR me time. Shut off your pagers, mobile phone, even if just for 30 minutes or an hour. Use your time and mind as an escape, keeping you mind busy on your workout at hand will deny all other thoughts of daily worry and trouble. The change of pace will keep you refreshed and you'll have a clearer mind. Sometimes you just need to take a step back to see the bigger picture.
Self Esteem
People say confidence can make you feel good about yourself, and nothing boosts self-esteem more than looking great in the first place. Exercising helps you tone up, firm up and when you like what you see in the mirror, chances are the opposite sex will do too. Many people may not admit it, but we humans are vain in nature. Everyone DOES care about how they look, one way or another. True story. Just don't get too cocky now.
One Down
By practicing a healthy and active lifestyle you'll have one less thing to worry about. Which is your health because you know you are doing something to prevent health related diseases and illnesses. Diseases and illnesses which seems to plague the more inactive portion of the human population. Plus, you don't have to worry about your beer belly sticking out as much anymore, another less thing to worry and stress about. Health IS wealth.
There are just no cons when it comes to exercising. And now you know that it even goes as far as providing benefits for our mental state. I understand it's starting out is always the hardest part. You can use what you find here as a motivation to get moving. Start out slow and easy and set a realistic goal then go from there.
